This new scheme set to change the face of voting across the county

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Read More

Related Articles

Across North Kesteven on May 2 next year all electors using a polling station will need to present one form of photographic ID - such as a passport or photographic driver's licence - or two types of non-photographic ID such as utility bill or polling card.

Postal voters will have their identity verified in other ways.

The aim of the scheme is to safeguard against electoral fraud and misrepresentation, which is not known to be a problem in North Kesteven.

The area was chosen for the test because of it being a sparsely populated rural area with a growing but elderly population.

Elections returning officer council chief executive, Ian Fytche, said: "For North Kesteven we have opted to trial the ‘Mixed ID’ model which gives the broadest range of possible forms of identification to ensure no-one is disenfranchised.

The way people in North Kesteven vote is set to change

"Most people have one of the accepted forms of photo ID already, and that is all they need.

“Where they don’t, they have the opportunity to choose two other forms of ID, one of which must have their address on. This could be the poll card we issue to everyone in advance, or a Council Tax Bill which every household will receive in March.

“There will be lots of options presented, and we will also be offering people the chance to have a specific form of electoral identity created especially for this election to ensure no-one misses out.

Read More

Related Articles

“Being a part of 2019’s trials presents a valuable opportunity for a progressive and forward-thinking council such as ours to explore the challenges and possibilities presented by Voter ID and to assess its implications for areas similar to our own in terms of the demographic profile of the local electorate”.

Minister for the Constitution, Chloe Smith MP said: “I am pleased North Kesteven is taking part in the 2019 pilots. Their participation will help us gain a deeper understanding of how voter ID will work on a wider scale ahead of a national roll out, and see what works best for voters.

“We want people to have confidence that our elections are safeguarded against any threat or perception of electoral fraud. People are already required to show ID to pick up a parcel from the Post Office, rent a car, or apply for benefits and this is a common sense next step to securing the integrity of our elections.”

A campaign will make sure the 89,000 residents are aware of the change and that they know what ID is acceptable.